River Hospital is now offering the LSVT BIG therapy. The Physical Therapy Department at River Hospital will now offer LSVT BIG, a therapy that addresses the unique movement impairments associated with Parkinson’s disease. It provides people with the disease the tools they need to keep moving and stay active. The protocol is both intensive and complex, with many repetitions of core movements used in daily life. One therapist and two physical therapist assistants are now certified to provide LSVT BIG therapy at River Hospital.

“The LSVT BIG program teaches participants how to think in terms of extending their movements to make day to day tasks easier. Participants will leave the program with a lifelong exercise program, better balance and the ability to walk more quickly and take bigger steps,” says Emily Chase, MSPT, the LSVT BIG certified therapist at River Hospital.

Because LSVT BIG therapy is customized to each person's specific needs and goals, it can help regardless of the stage or severity of your condition. That said, the therapy may be most effective in early or middle stages of Parkinson’s, when the patient can both improve function and potentially slow further symptom progression. Beginning LSVT BIG before significant problems with balance, mobility or posture will often lead to the best results, but it's never too late to start. LSVT BIG can produce significant improvements even for people facing considerable physical difficulties.

If you or a loved one is interested in this program, please talk with your provider or call the physical therapy department at 315.482.1116.